Bringing Agnes Riley Gardens' Football Pitches back into use

The football pitch in Agnes Riley Gardens was heavily used by children and adults, with about 450 children and 300 adults enjoying the facility each week.

It was closed months ago after an accident involving a child. Liberal Democrat Councillors were told that the pitch could not be repaired, and that replacement would cost £80,000. The Council stated that it did not have this money.

As a result, the pitch will remain closed.

On Monday, 7 October 2024, Labour Lambeth announced its new £89m Capital Programme for 2024-28. Items include £1m for new free facilities in “every neighbourhood” for young people, £1m for improved and new community facilities, £2.4m for new equipment in two adventure playgrounds every year, £1m for new gym equipment, and £250,000 to refurbish the Kennington Park Skate Bowl.

Yet there is nothing for Agnes Riley Gardens.

Lambeth Council’s Vision Statement is to create a Borough in which “children and young people can have the best start in life” (Lambeth 2030: Our future, our Lambeth, p8).

The Borough Plan, called Lambeth 2030, also stresses the importance of access to sports facilities and training programmes, and promises to “develop safe and secure places for young people and children to socialise and develop their personal skills” (Lambeth 2030: Our future, our Lambeth, p26). This is all part of a “Golden Thread” which aims to give Lambeth “the best conditions to grow up.

Do join the fight to bring back these pitches by signing our petition: Agnes Riley Gardens Football Pitch – Lambeth Liberal Democrats